WAR AGAINST HAMAS: WHY IS ISRAEL LAUNCHING AN OFFENSIVE IN RAFAH?
NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, the Israeli military announced it had assumed "operational control" over the Gazan side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, with specialised forces actively scanning the area. The military's statement clarified, "Right now we have special forces scanning the crossing... We have operational control of the area and other crossings and we have special forces scanning the area."
This development marks a significant move in the ongoing conflict, particularly as cease-fire discussions with Hamas teeter precariously. Despite Hamas's acceptance of a cease-fire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar on Monday, Israel has maintained that the agreement falls short of its primary demands, prolonging the conflict and dimming the prospects for peace.
The Israeli 401st Brigade was deployed to the Rafah crossing early Tuesday, securing a strategic point essential for aid delivery and the evacuation of individuals into Egypt. The military released footage showing a tank entering the crossing, with Israeli flags displayed on tanks that secured the area.
According to the Israeli military, the action was taken after intelligence suggested the crossing was utilized for "terrorist purposes," though specific evidence was not disclosed immediately. Additionally, the area had reportedly been used to launch a mortar attack that resulted in casualties among Israeli troops at the nearby Kerem Shalom Crossing. In response, Israeli ground forces and airstrikes targeted suspected Hamas positions in Rafah.
Here is all you need to know about Israel's offensive in Rafah:
Q: Why is Israel determined to launch an offensive in Rafah?A: Israel views Rafah as a strategic location for Hamas, which it blames for initiating conflict with a deadly attack on October 7. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We will enter Rafah because we have no other choice. We will destroy the Hamas battalions there, we will complete all the objectives of the war, including the return of all our hostages."
Q: What are the main goals of the Israeli offensive in Rafah?A: According to Israeli military statements, the offensive aims to dismantle Hamas's remaining military presence in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasised the need "to root out Hamas's remaining forces to prevent a repeat of the bloody October 7 attacks that sparked the war in Gaza."
Israel says Rafah is Hamas’ last major stronghold in the Gaza Strip, after operations elsewhere dismantled 18 out of the militant group’s 24 battalions, according to the military. But even in northern Gaza, the first target of the offensive, Hamas has regrouped in some areas and continued to launch attacks.
Israel says Hamas has four battalions in Rafah and that it must send in ground forces to topple them. Some senior militants could also be hiding in the city.
Q: How has the international community responded to the situation in Rafah?A: The international response has been one of alarm and caution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called an Israeli ground invasion "intolerable" due to "its devastating humanitarian consequences." The US has also urged restraint, with national security spokesperson John Kirby stating, "We don’t want to see a major ground operation in Rafah."
Q: What are the potential humanitarian impacts of an Israeli ground invasion in Rafah?A: An invasion could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over a million Palestinians are sheltering. The UN children's agency has warned that around 600,000 children in Rafah face "further catastrophe" due to displacement and potential violence.
Q: What does Hamas claim about the proposed ceasefire and its conditions?A: Hamas has approved a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Khalil al-Hayya of Hamas detailed the agreement to include "a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of Palestinians displaced by the war and a hostage-prisoner exchange," aiming for a "permanent ceasefire."
Q: What are Israel's conditions for agreeing to a ceasefire?A: While Israel is participating in talks, Netanyahu’s office has expressed that the current proposal "is far from Israel's essential demands." Israel seeks to continue military operations to "exert pressure on Hamas" to advance objectives like the release of hostages.
Q: How does the current conflict affect the broader Middle East region?A: The conflict has potential regional repercussions, affecting stability and security, particularly concerning Israel's relations with Egypt, which has opposed any large-scale displacement of Gazans into its territory. The ongoing conflict could strain Israel's peace agreements and regional alliances.
(With inputs from agencies)